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Pittsburgh Steelers' rookie Alamedas Ta'amu arrested on DUI, vehicular charges after chase, crash

Lincoln Navigator that Pittsburgh police say was crashed by Steelers' rookie Alameda Ta'amu, Sunday night, Oct. 14, 2012. CBS Pittsburgh/Joe Deasy

(CBS) PITTSBURGH- Pittsburgh Steelers' rookie Alameda Ta'amu is facing several serious charges following his arrest on Sunday night on the South Side following a pursuit that left one person injured and several cars damaged, CBS Pittsburgh reports. 

The 22-year-old, six-foot-three, 348-pound nose tackle from Kent, Washington is being charged with fleeing or attempting to elude police, driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, aggravated assault by a vehicle while DUI, aggravated assault, and resisting arrest and escape.

General Manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers Kevin Colbert released a statement on Sunday morning regarding their 2012 fourth-round draft pick saying, "We are disappointed to hear about the situation regarding Alameda Ta'amu. We will gather more facts before providing any further comment."

According to the criminal complaint, the incident began when an off-duty officer in his own vehicle began to follow a 2006 Lincoln Navigator that was driving recklessly, "swerving across the double-yellow lines...and passing several vehicles at a time."

Another officer working an off-duty detail at a South Side bar approached the vehicle as it slowed down. The complaint reports that the officer "drew his handgun and stated: Police! Stop the vehicle!" while approaching the car.

The document reports that the vehicle driven by Ta'amu then swerved and took off "speeding outbound in the wrong lane of traffic."

Police chased the navigator on foot while it struck three or four parked cars, injuring several people who needed medical attention.

"He hit three or four cars," said Zach Carr, a witness. "He was just pinballing up the street, apparently; I mean, tow trucks were here, for hours."

After allegedly hitting a fourth car, Ta'amu abandoned the Navigator and began fleeing the scene on foot with officers ordering him to stop. He was finally caught in the parking pad next to 38 Uxor Way, court papers read.

The criminal complaint reports that while being arrested, "Ta'amu ripped his opposite arm away," from an officer and then "tucked the arm along his body and appeared to be reaching with his free hand towards waist band." Ta'amu was then punched in the face twice by an officer for refusing to put his arm behind his back.

Ta'amu was given a breathalyzer test and taken to the Allegheny County Jail.

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